Yahoo Mail includes the ability to send instant messages to your friends directly from your inbox without downloading an instant messenger client. Although this can be useful, there are times when you may want to just check your email without being bombarded by chat messages. You can sign out of chat, or opt to appear offline, while remaining signed in to your Yahoo Mail account.

Click the arrow icon next to your name in the upper left corner of your Yahoo Mail inbox.

Select "Sign out of Messenger" from the drop-down menu that appears. You are signed out and will not receive instant messages while logged into your Yahoo Mail account.

Select "Appear Offline" if you want to remain signed in but appear as though you have signed out. Friends on your contact list now see your status as offline; however, they can still send you instant messages.

About the Author

Jacqui Lane has been writing professionally for print and the web since 2004. She got her start at a small publisher, where she wrote, edited, designed advertising and handled page layout for up to five magazines a month. She writes primarily about video games, technology and internet culture. Lane holds a Bachelor of Arts in online journalism from Marshall University.